Royal Navy shoots down drone over Bristol Channel

The Royal Navy have shot down a drone over the Bristol Channel using a new missile system.

It’s part of a trial which marked the first time the Navy had done this without outside support.

A Wildcat combat helicopter launched a Martlet missile to intercept a Banshee drone, which was flying at high speeds. 

The Martlet, a lightweight, laser-guided missile, was originally designed to target small, fast-moving objects like attack boats and jet skis.

The test took place at RAF Manorbier in South Wales and represents a significant step forward in defending against modern threats.

This advancement comes after a recent incident in which a Wildcat helicopter on the destroyer HMS Diamond was targeted by drones in the Red Sea and Gulf of Yemen.

During the two-day trial, the Royal Navy deployed the autonomous Banshee drone as a target.

Picture credit: PA